About seven years ago I decided that it was time to actually try reading Dragonlance. I didn't intend to read all of the books that use the world, but I figured if I was going to claim to be a reader of high fantasy, I needed to at least try them. Dragonlance has been a well know name in the role-playing gaming community ever since the 1980s and was Tracey Hickman's initial success in the industry and as an author. I read the original Dragonlance Chronicles trilogy and enjoyed them. I didn't pursue more, I can't remember why, but I decided that I might pick them up again. I read up a bit on which one I should read next (there are many, many, many Dragonlance books) and found the Dragonlance Legends trilogy which starts with Time of the Twins. These books revolve around two of the more interesting characters from the first trilogy. There are certainly parts of this first book that I was glad to have read the first trilogy. I think you could start them without the first trilogy, but you would may be confused on several things. The first trilogy is well worth the read regardless, so start there anyway.
Plot: Caramon and Raistlin are very different. Caramon: a huge, hulking giant of a man, known for loyalty to his friends, ferocity in battle, devoted to his brother, and not adapting well to the end of the war that made him famous. Raislin: a cold-hearted, sickly, ploting, scheming, evil mage who could take the world, if he wanted it. How do these guys relate to each other? You saw it coming - they're twins. The war is over, balance has been restored, and the Heroes of the Lance (which include Caramon and Raistlin) are revered and honored. That is, except Caramon. For as long as he had been self aware, Caramon had cared for Raistlin, but Raistlin had never cared about Caramon. With his last letter returned without being opened Caramon falls into drunkenness and despair. However, while Caramon is weakening, Raistlin is growing stronger and stronger in his magic. Two years past and Crysania, a cleric of the growing church of Paladine feels that it is her duty to turn Raistlin from his evil ways and so arranges a meeting. Surprisingly Raistlin accepts, and what's more invites her to his tower to continue the conversation. When she leaves his tower, she is set on reaching the mages who put Raistlin to the test all those years ago in an attempt to help him. Caramon ends up following her as does his old companion Tasslehoff Burrfoot, a kender (who is basically like an adult sized child) goes along to keep an eye on things. But whether they travel to help Raistlin turn from his evil ways, or to help him fulfill his mad plan, no one really knows. Their quest takes them back to a time when the world was changed forever - and they happen to know the date that it will occur. And what's worse is that Crysania seems to have fallen in love with Raistlin and will it help her turn him, or will it turn her?
Personal Favorites: The world is incredibly developed. That is one thing that Dragonlance is known for and one way they influenced the genre. Tasslehoff is a great character who is written so well. As a childish, kleptomaniac who sees the world as one big adventure, you can't help but like him. His thoughts explain his actions and provide a depth he might not have otherwise. I mentioned earlier that the twins are two of the more interesting characters of the first trilogy, and I mean it. Their interactions, their flaws and their strengths, how they could be related and yet be so different all feeds the story and adds tension, emotion and everything else. The characters are very clearly flawed and their flaws make them human. The action was good, the pacing was nice, and the story had some twists and turns that were captivating.
Considerations: This book is a classic fantasy which means you have violence and adventure. The style is not a graphic one and I can't remember any reference to gore. There is what might be called brief sensuality, but again there is no graphic images or details, explicit or otherwise. I have known of many young adults who have read the Dragonlance books. Be aware, the book ends with a large cliff hanger so be prepared by having the second or access to it.
All in all I enjoyed the book and was glad to be back in the setting. It didn't take as long to read as I thought as the pacing was good and the writing diverting. The total length was 421 pages.
Personal Favorites: The world is incredibly developed. That is one thing that Dragonlance is known for and one way they influenced the genre. Tasslehoff is a great character who is written so well. As a childish, kleptomaniac who sees the world as one big adventure, you can't help but like him. His thoughts explain his actions and provide a depth he might not have otherwise. I mentioned earlier that the twins are two of the more interesting characters of the first trilogy, and I mean it. Their interactions, their flaws and their strengths, how they could be related and yet be so different all feeds the story and adds tension, emotion and everything else. The characters are very clearly flawed and their flaws make them human. The action was good, the pacing was nice, and the story had some twists and turns that were captivating.
Considerations: This book is a classic fantasy which means you have violence and adventure. The style is not a graphic one and I can't remember any reference to gore. There is what might be called brief sensuality, but again there is no graphic images or details, explicit or otherwise. I have known of many young adults who have read the Dragonlance books. Be aware, the book ends with a large cliff hanger so be prepared by having the second or access to it.
All in all I enjoyed the book and was glad to be back in the setting. It didn't take as long to read as I thought as the pacing was good and the writing diverting. The total length was 421 pages.
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